A jewel of the Catskills: The Neversink Unique Area

The Neversink Unique Area, otherwise known as the Neversink Gorge, is a 5,466-acre tract of land encompassing the Neversink River Gorge and surrounding upland forest in the towns of Thompson and Forestburgh in Sullivan County, NY.

Administered by the New York State Department of Envrionmental Conservation (NYSDEC), this designated Unique Area first came into being in 1981, when the first 2,805-acre tract of land was acquired.

Aptly described by the Nature Conservancy as one of the 75 “Last Great Places” of the United States, Latin America, and the Pacific, the Neversink Unique Area is a shining example of pristine wilderness that is accessible to the public.

Many fishermen know the Neversink Gorge as a highly regarded trout fishery. The Neversink River holds a variety of native trout in its fast-flowing waters, and there are even some smallmouth bass in the river in this area. Be prepared to do a little walking, depending on where you access the river, and keep in mind that fishing within the Unique Area is no kill and with artificial lures only. Check the NYSDEC rules for details.

For the hiker, the Neversink Gorge offers well marked and maintained trails and access to many falls and river areas. Forest areas range from mature hardwood to mixed forest and undisturbed streams and riverbanks. Stands of white pine and hemlock abound. Having a trail map is advised; a map from the NY-NJ Trail Conference can be found here: www.nynjtc.org/map/neversink-gorge-trail-map[5].